All Forum Posts by: Trenton Miller

I schedule showing days.  Typically I do this on a Saturday as most people work Monday through Friday.  I do not do appointment showings for self-managed properties.  My mindset is if they can't make it to the showing when it is available, they must not be that serious. 

I would avoid this deal at all costs.  Find something else

I would not waste your time screwing the floor down.  You will only find yourself placing screws as if you are chasing your tail.  From the looks of this floor, it is a 2"x3/4" hardwood, maybe T&G (tongue and groove).  The problem is not with the flooring but the subfloor  

Since the home is 100+/- years old the only sure way to solve the squeaking problem is to remove the flooring and replace the subfloor, ensuring it is properly attached to the floor joists with construction adhesive and nails or screws.

I would also NOT recommend putting new flooring over the top of this existing flooring as that is not correcting the original problem but adding to the original problem.

I would have these fixed prior to selling just to avoid further questioning or investigation into the problem.  Drywall repair is not expensive so you might as well get it fixed before listing/selling.  Even if you don't fix these problems before listing you have to know that buyers will try to get concessions for this that may be unrealistic.

Feel free to PM me and we can discuss your needs.  I am not in your local area but can estimate costs based on inspection findings and pictures.

As a contractor, I have been in this situation a few times.  As stated above, you need to pay for the contractor to give you this information since the entire project is speculatory on IF you purchase the property

What I have done in the past is charged a $250 1 hour walkthrough with the customer.  At that time I point out any major problems that I see as being potential costs and listen to what the customer wants.

Based on that information I give them general costs in an estimate.  If the customer ends up buying the house I will credit the $250 paid towards the overall project & once hired will release an itemized breakdown of project expenses.

Estimating rehab costs is no small task.  This is not something that can easily be done in an hour.  Renovation budgets can take days to prepare in some cases and you should always have a contingency budget.  It seems the cost is always greater as you encounter undiscovered problems, which will happen.

What I would recommend doing is figuring out what the after renovation value will be and create your own realistic budget for rehab costs.  By doing this you may be able to self predict if the amount of work that needs to be done even seems remotely realistic prior to involving a contractor.

Your best option to ensure work is being performed correctly is to have the appropriate permits in place.  When permits are pulled, work must be inspected by the City which is a disinterested party (meaning not financially interested). The City inspectors will ensure work meets the local building code before signing off and allowing work to continue.

Another option is to hire a 3rd party home inspector.  Results may vary...

Here is what I have experienced.  You need to make sure APPROVED plans detailing how the patio will be converted are in hand AND under the existing general building permit scope of work.  The reason being is the City/County will assess the permitting fees based on the overall amount of square footage being converted.  

I can tell you this is 100% possible in Southern California. This type of project here is referred to as a JADU (Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit), since it is attached to the primary residence it is classified as a JADU as opposed to a traditional ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit). These are also referred to as granny flats or in-law suites from time to time.

My suggestion is to contact your area's Building & Safety Department to discuss the possibility and legality of doing this in your area.

If you have any questions as to what is involved in this feel free to PM me.

Best of luck!

There is not a tremendous amount of vinyl siding used in my area, however, I am familiar with the product from when I lived in NC.

Check out this video tutorial below.  I feel this is exactly what you're looking to do.

Vinyl Siding Window Trim Tutorial TOH